Mike Kropveld Revised from a presentation at the International Symposium on Cultic Studies (Bangkok, Thailand), organized by Graduate School of Philosophy and Religion, Assumption University, Thailand and the Institute of Religious Studies, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, China, December 15–16, 2011. In my presentation today, I will give an overview of…
Chapter 22: Ideological Totalism
Thought reform has a psychological momentum of its own, a self-perpetuating energy not always bound by the interests of the program’s directors. When we inquire into the sources of this momentum, we come upon a complex set of psychological themes, which may be grouped under the general heading of ideological totalism. By this ungainly phrase I mean to suggest the coming together of immoderate ideology with equally immoderate individual character traits — an extremist meeting ground between people and ideas.
Characteristics Associated with Cultic Groups – Revised
. The following list of social-structural, social-psychological, and interpersonal behavioral patterns commonly found in cultic environments may be helpful in assessing a particular group or relationship.
Definition of CULT
cult noun, often attributive \ˈkəlt\ formal religious veneration : worship a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its…
Maharishi International University Research Update
From TM-EX Newsletter, spring 1991 As the methodology of MIU researchers has improved, some of theirstudies report observations that challenge the validity of the TMmovement’s doctrinal stance; for example, a Ph.D. thesis (D, MIU,1989, T735.494, in the MIU library) called The Transcendental Meditationtechnique: A new direction for smoking cessation programs.…
MEDITATION, DELUSION AND DECEPTION
by David J. Bardin, Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin & KahnWashington Counsel for American Family Foundation (AFF) and Cult Awareness Network (CAN) He’s really not so transcendental A true master of mental manipulation has targeted Washington, D.C. Hecalls himself Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. His devotees adore him, simply, as“Maharishi.” He sells Transcendental Meditation,…
A Simple, Natural, Relaxation Technique?
TranceNet: Joe Kellet I’d like to relate a few of my adventures from my years as a TM meditator and teacher. PART I: SOMETHING GOOD IS HAPPENING! At TM introductory lectures no mention is made that there could be any unpleasant experiences associated with TM. True to it’s nature as…
It’s Too Perfect
The following is a quote from Jeanne Mills, a defector from Jim Jones’ Peoples temple. She was murdered a year subsequent to the Nov. 18, 1978 Jonestown suicides/murders of 911 children, woman and men. She wrote this shortly before being murdered. Listen to what she is telling the world: “When…
Organization and "Front Group" names used by the TM movement
World Government of the Age of EnlightenmentWorld Plan Executive Council – U.S. (WPEC-US) – umbrellaInternational Meditation Society – listed on brochures as Educational Service of World Plan Executive Council”Students International Meditation Society American Association for Ideal Education – copyright holder on recent brochures (1991)Spiritual Regeneration Movement Foundation (1959) PublishingAge of Enlightenment…
Salvation Road – 26-page teacher’s guide
“Salvation Road,” a play by Dolores Gregory, was performed at the New York University Steinhardt School of Educational Theatre on October 26 and November 4, 2012. Jonathan Jones, Program Administrator at Steinhardt, and Master’s student Leslee Meyers, created an informative and useful 26-page teacher’s guide for this play.